photo copyright: Noah Bell,
Bamboo Garden, 2013

'Wenchuan' is an
arching form ofF.
robustawith
a slightly more open growth habit than other variations of this useful
species. The culm and branch sheaths are a beautiful reddish brown instead
of white to tan. It seems to be slightly more vigorous than
F. robusta
'Campbell'.
Large leaves give this bamboo a more tropical appearance. It is very similar
to 'Wolong',
but the dark green leaves are a little more pointed and don't seem to curl
downward around the edges (as 'Wolong' tends to do). More needs to be
learned about this rare bamboo to find it's particular niche in garden
designs. The overall foliage pattern is more graceful and organized than
other large leafed Clumping bamboo. It is certainly more cold hardy
than the large leafed Borinda.
Give this new bamboo a try in a shaded to half sun location, let us know
what you discover; we love to hear feedback from customers!